World Heart Day: Survey Finds High Prevalence of CVD in Patients With Diabetes

A global survey found that 2 of 3 individuals with type 2 diabetes had experienced a cardiovascular disease (CVD) event or had CVD risk factors. The Taking Diabetes to Heart survey was conducted in advance of World Heart Day, September 29, by the International Diabetes Federation in partnership with Novo Nordisk.^1-2

Survey results also revealed that 1 in 4 of these 12,695 patients had never discussed CVD risk factors or could not remember discussing it with a doctor. However, only 1 in 4 said they believed they were at low risk of CVD, and 3 in 4 participating individuals said they relied on information about CVD from their doctor.^1-2

"These survey findings confirm our concerns about the increasing global prevalence of diabetes and its associated complications. Awareness of the risks and consequences of the disease remains pitifully low and education to address diabetes complications is lacking,” said IDF President Nam H. Cho, in a prepared statement.^1-2 “We urge governments to invest in measures to detect type 2 diabetes early and ensure that health professionals are trained to guide people to make positive changes to their lifestyle and better manage their diabetes. This will help people to avoid disabling and life-threating diabetes complications."

Many survey participants had CVD risk factors that included hypertension, uncontrolled blood glucose levels, and high cholesterol. More than half of survey respondents said they needed more information about the risk factors associated with the development of CVD to better understand the risks in order to help prevent them.^1-2

"The IDF survey findings are striking and reinforce the importance of raising awareness of CVD risk and its impact on people living with type 2 diabetes,” said Stephen Gough, global chief medical officer of Novo Nordisk, in a prepared statement.^1-2 “We are committed to continue working with IDF while utilising these global findings to inform future efforts that can help improve health outcomes."

The survey is expected to culminate in a comprehensive report with regional and country-specific results and resources to help support education and awareness of CVD among people with type 2 diabetes and those at risk around the world.^1-2

References

• International Diabetes Federation (IDF) global survey reveals 2 in 3 people with type 2 diabetes have cardiovascular disease risk factors and/or have experienced a cardiovascular event [news release]. Bagvaerd, Denmark; September 28, 2018: Novo Nordisk website. https://www.novonordisk.com/media/news-details.2217877.html. Accessed September 28, 2018.
• IDF global survey reveals 2 in 3 people with type 2 diabetes have CVD risk factors [news release]. Brussels, Belgium; September 28, 2018: International Diabetes Foundation website. https://www.idf.org/news/156:idf-global-survey-reveals-2-in-3-people-with-type-2-diabetes-have-cvd-risk-factors.html. Accessed September 28, 2018.